Bay Area Games and XR Industry Symposium (in person)

Welcome to the Games and XR Industry Symposium!

Join us at Northeastern University in Oakland for a day filled with exciting presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities in the gaming and XR industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional, faculty or a student, this event is perfect for anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of gaming and extended reality.

You will hear from industry and acadamia experts, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges shaping the future of gaming, XR and AI. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and connect!

Talk: Games, XR and AI: A Transformational Future, by Noah Falstein

Since the 1970s, video games have been at the forefront of technological innovation. While the modern gaming industry has faced certain challenges, the future holds immense promise, particularly with the transformative potential of both XR and AI. These technologies are poised to drive unprecedented growth, initially within the gaming sector and subsequently across broader society. Notably, games that go beyond entertainment to create meaningful change in players' lives are proliferating, revolutionizing educational opportunities, advancing healthcare solutions, and even saving lives.

Talk: Mods, Machines, and Mayhem: AI, XR, and the Ethical Crossroads of Immersive Tech, by Brittan Heller

As artificial intelligence and extended reality (XR) converge, they are reshaping how we create, experience, and moderate digital spaces. In the gaming and immersive technology industries, these advancements raise urgent ethical questions: Who governs AI-driven interactions in XR? How do we balance creative freedom with responsible content moderation? And what happens when machines—not humans—become the primary architects of digital expression? This talk explores the emerging challenges at the intersection of AI, XR, and ethics, from bias in AI-generated environments to the future of player agency, algorithmic gatekeeping, and the evolving role of human moderators. Heller examines how industry leaders, developers, and policymakers can navigate these new ethical dilemmas, ensuring that immersive worlds remain innovative, inclusive, and accountable.

Host or Publisher College of Arts, Media and Design at Northeastern